Implant-supported dentures are a set of replacement teeth that are permanently fixed into place. They involve a complete or partial denture that is supported by dental implants, which are small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone to serve as the anchor for the replacement teeth.
You may be familiar with the general idea of implant-supported dentures, but there are important things that you may not yet know about them that are important to understand when determining if treatment may be right for you. The following is a closer look at some important things to know about implant-supported dentures.
When many hear the term “dental implant” they think it is to replace a single tooth, or they may believe that there needs to be an implant for every missing tooth. However, with implant-supported dentures, this is not the case. In fact, the dentist can replace an entire row of missing teeth with as little as four dental implants.
The primary difference between implant-supported dentures and traditional dentures is that dentures supported by implants are permanently fixed and supported by the jaw. This is because the implants go through a process called osseointegration. This is when the titanium posts fuse together with the jawbone. Subsequently, they are very durable and can last for as many as twenty years.
Another unique benefit that implant-supported dentures can provide that traditional dentures (meaning dentures that rest upon and are supported by the gums) cannot is the ability to prevent bone loss. After tooth loss occurs, bone atrophy can occur inside the jaw, causing issues with the patient's appearance. Since the implants are fixed in the jaw, the jaw keeps its density, and the dentist can restore the density in the jaw if bone loss has occurred.
It is important to have realistic expectations about how long the implant-supported dentures process takes. Every patient may have a different timeline, but the process can take an average of six months (or more) to complete the entire process. This is longer than with traditional dentures and patients must be more patient when they choose implant-supported dentures.
Implant-supported dentures are easy to care for and very similar to caring for natural teeth. Patients are encouraged to brush two to three times per day, floss daily, and make smart dietary choices. Regular dental visits are also very important to maintain the cleanliness of the dentures and the patient’s periodontal health.
Implant-supported dentures are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth long-term. To learn more about treatment and to go over the pros and cons, consult with our dental team during a consultation visit at our practice. We are glad to answer your questions and help you determine if treatment is appropriate.
Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Implant Supported Dentures in Scottsdale, AZ.
If you are missing all of your teeth, your dentist may give you the option to choose implant supported dentures. An implant supported denture is often recommended because it can replace all the lost natural teeth and some tooth roots. Implant supported dentures, or denture implants, tend to be more stable and comfortable. Denture implants…
Partial dentures with dental implants offer a long-term solution to replacing a section of missing teeth. This is a great replacement solution even if you have multiple teeth that are missing, as it utilizes two or more dental implants to support the partial denture rather than having the dentures rest upon and be supported by…
Replacing missing teeth with dentures restores much of their functionality. However, dental appliances are limited in what they can do compared to natural teeth. While you should be able to return to eating many of the foods that you enjoyed before you lost your teeth, some could cause problems for you. You should avoid eating…
Denture adhesives are a great way to keep your removable dentures in place. This guide is designed to help you determine if adhesives for dentures are right for you. A common concern that denture wearers have is that their dentures may come loose at an inopportune time, and denture adhesives offer a way to help…
A teenage boy or girl who deals with a crooked smile or uneven bite could be able to use Invisalign® for teens as a corrective treatment. The adolescent and high schools years are often filled with social pressure and a desire for acceptance, and any problems or concerns with a teen’s smile could create self-confidence…
As a child’s mouth and teeth develop into adolescence, it may become apparent that there are problems with alignment or spacing. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of this alignment option,…